Major Telugu news channels suspended in Andhra Pradesh

Leading Telugu news channels Sakshi Telegu, NTV Telugu, and TV9 Telugu have been unofficially banned by the state's multi-system operators (MSOs) and local cable operators (LCOs), in a development that could impact the media landscape in Andhra Pradesh. 

Viewers in Andhra Pradesh can no longer access these channels through traditional cable services, leaving direct-to-home (DTH) platforms as the only alternative.

This suspension has raised concerns over compliance with the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017, which mandates that service providers must provide at least three weeks’ notice before discontinuing signals, clearly specifying the reasons for such action. Industry insiders reveal that the suspension has disrupted nearly 60% of the distribution network for these channels.

The banned channels collectively hold a substantial market share of 56.6% in the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions, according to the latest Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) report for Week 24 of 2024. This significant market presence underscores the potential impact on viewers and the broader media environment in the state.

The YSR Congress Party, recently ousted from power, has accused the newly elected Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led government of exerting undue influence over media channels. S. Niranjan Reddy, a Rajya Sabha member from the YSR Congress, has demanded an investigation by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) into what he describes as the illegal blocking of these channels.

In a letter to TRAI's chairperson, Reddy emphasized that the channels were taken off-air without lawful justification or procedural compliance, describing the action as an attack on press freedom. He urged TRAI to enforce regulations rigorously to prevent governmental overreach and ensure media organizations can operate without fear of censorship or retaliation.

The suspension of these major news channels raises critical issues about the public’s right to access diverse sources of information, a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. The move has been widely criticized by media watchdogs and civil society groups, who argue that such actions could deter media organisations from reporting on contentious or sensitive issues.

As the situation unfolds, there is mounting pressure on regulatory bodies to address the suspension and ensure compliance with established norms. The Andhra Pradesh government has yet to comment on the allegations. Meanwhile, viewers and stakeholders in the media industry are closely monitoring the developments, hoping for a swift resolution that reinstates the channels on cable networks and upholds the principles of a free press.